Discover the underrated beauties: Europe's least popular islands!

Discover the underrated beauties: Europe's least popular islands!

Europe's islands attract millions of travelers every year, but there are numerous lesser-known places that are often overlooked due to their remoteness, lack of infrastructure or low profile. Research from Avis analyzed the most unpopular European islands based on search volume and Instagram hashtags. The results show that travelers are not only interested in the popular destinations, but also want to explore rarer, undiscovered gems.

The three most unpopular islands in Europe are Lesbos, Porto Santo and Symi. WMN reports that Lesvos, located in the northeastern Aegean Sea and known for its olive groves, picturesque villages and cultural traditions, is the least popular tourist destination among the European islands. The island is not only the birthplace of the poet Sappho, but also offers an impressive variety of landscapes with hills, bays and hot springs.

The second destination on the list is Porto Santo, an Italian island located northeast of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. It is famous for a nine kilometer long, golden sandy beach and has a sparse but interesting backdrop. The capital, Vila Baleira, has particular historical significance as it is closely linked to the life of Christopher Columbus. Travelers will find peace and a mild climate here, ideal for those seeking relaxation.

Unknown beauties

The third island is Symi, which is located in the southeast Aegean Sea and is part of the Dodecanese. Known for its picturesque harbor lined with neoclassical houses, the island also has a history as a sponge diving center, which is evident in its architecture. Travelers visiting Symi can explore small coves, monasteries and hiking trails while enjoying the tranquil and almost timeless atmosphere that remains despite the occasional day-tripper.

Other unpopular islands considered less visited, according to Avis' analysis, include Skopelos, Cres, Andros, Karpathos, Brac, La Maddalena and Thassos. These places often offer a retreat from the crowded, better-known destinations in Europe.

Popular travel destinations in comparison

In contrast, the most popular islands in Europe are often crowded during high season. Timeout reports that Ibiza is the most visited island, with over 20 million hashtags and almost 2 million monthly searches. Malta and Mallorca follow in second and third place. Here is an overview of the top 10 most popular islands:

In a direct comparison, the differences between the highly frequented and the less popular islands become clear. While the popular islands are often associated with crowds and party life, the less visited destinations offer a relaxing atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy unspoiled nature. The potential for unforgettable experiences on these tranquil islands cannot be underestimated.